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Tennessee football vs. South Carolina: Five key Gamecocks to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 2, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back David Spaulding (29) and South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Darius Rush (28) celebrate an interception for a touchdown by Spaulding against the Troy Trojans in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back David Spaulding (29) and South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Darius Rush (28) celebrate an interception for a touchdown by Spaulding against the Troy Trojans in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina defensive lineman Brad Johnson(19) after the game in Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 3, 2018.Clemson Usc 2nd Half
South Carolina defensive lineman Brad Johnson(19) after the game in Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 3, 2018.Clemson Usc 2nd Half /

Scouting Report. 2. player. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Redshirt senior. Brad Johnson. 850

6’3″ 240 pounds; Hometown: Pendleton, S.C.

Both of South Carolina’s starting linebackers have been huge playmakers to this point. Damani Staley had a strong case to be on here as well, as he has two interceptions, including a pick-six, a fumble recovery and a tackle for a loss.

However, Brad Johnson is the more standard linebacker. He hasn’t forced any turnovers, but he does have a fumble recovery, and he is second on the team in tackles with 31, 17 of which were solo, which is also second on the team. Being all over the field is enough to put Johnson on this list, as he’s the key linebacker to anchoring South Carolina’s defense.

At the same time, Johnson is also a playmaker. His three and a half tackles for a loss lead the team, and his two sacks are second on the team. Like Kingsley Enagbare, Johnson is an elite pass-rusher, and he’ll be used to get pressure to try to help keep South Carolina’s pass defense elite as they face their first mobile quarterback.

On top of that, though, Johnson can stop the run well, and Tennessee football will be trying to get its running backs into the secondary all day. To do that, the Vols will have to deal with Johnson, and that makes him so critical.

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